Degreasing machine or apparatus



Sept. 8, 1953 s. A. HARRIS 2,651,607

DEGREASING MACHINE: oa APPARATUS Filed Nov. 17. 1948 4 sheet-sneet 1 llllllllllI-llll Il. II'IIIIII Sept 8, 1953 s. A. HARRIS 2,651,607

DEGREASING MACHINE OR APPARATUS Filed NOV. 1'?. 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.- Stanley H. Harri/8.,

ATTORNEYS.

Sept- 8, Y195s s. A. HARRIS 2,651,607

DEGREASING MACHINE OR APPARATUS Filed Nov. 17. 194e 4 sheets-sheet s INVENTOR 'imzlez/ A. Harms.,

By Mm A TTORNE YS.

SePf- 8, 1953 s. A. HARRIS 2,651,607

DEGREASING MACHINE 0R APPARATUS Filed Nov. 17, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIGL i INVENTOR:

WITNEssEs m v @25am ,Simley .H Harfzs., O6) l BY @auf //U A TTORNEYS.

Patented Sept. 8, 1953 DEGREASING MACHINE OR APPARATUS Stanley A. Harris, Glen Rock, N. J., assigner to Detrex Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application November 17, 1948, Serial No. 60,582 claims. (c1. 2oz- 168) This invention has general reference to the treatment of articles or things with volatile solvents for the purpose of cleaning and degreasing the same. It relates more particularly to the species or form thereof now commonly termed conveyorized degreasers of the vapor-slush type which are especially useful for subjecting quantities of articles or things to the action of solvent vapor followed by a spraying step with clean solvent while the work is still in the vapor zone.

Degreasers of the type referred to briefly comprise an enclosure or casing adapted to exclude air and retain the solvent vapor, a receptacle for the liquid solvent, an associated heater for vaporlzing the solvent, means for condensing the vapor and collecting the liquid solvent condensate, means for spraying the work with liquid solvent, and conveyor means for carrying the work through the treating zone.

A fundamental object of my invention is to provide an improved degreaser of the indicated species, preferably, although not essentially, designed for the thorough cleaning of tubular,` articles or things in an efcient manner by aid of a novel conveyor means.

Another object of my invention is to provide a novel conveyor means such as indicated in the preceding paragraph which can be readily adapted to, or installed in standard-type degreasers.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved degreaser in which the articles or things are positively prevented from becoming displaced relative to the conveyor means during the treating cycle.

While the foregoing denitions are indicative in a general way of the aims of my invention, other objects with ancillary advantages will .be evident, to those skilled in the art, upon a full understanding of the means hereinafter fully disclosed. It will also be appreciated that the invention is susceptible of other embodiments or structurally modified forms coming equally within the terms and scope of the claims.

My invention, accordingly, essentially consists in an improved arrangement of cooperative mechanical means, and the novel manner of their cyclic operation.

In the accompanyingdrawings:

Fig. 1, sheet 1, is a side elevation of a typical vapor-slush degreaser embodying my invention, with the lower portion in vertical section to better disclose otherwise obscured structure.

v Fig. 1a, sheet 2, is a fragmentary detail hereinafter referred to.

Fig. 2, sheet 2, is an end elevation as viewed 2 looking from the right-hand side towards the lefthand side ofFig. 1, and also having a portion in vertical section to better disclose otherwise hidden parts.

Fig. 3, sheet 3, is a fragmentary vertical section on the plane indicated by the arrows III- III in Fig. 2, but drawn to a larger scale for clearer illustration of important details.v

Fig. 4, sheet 3, is a broken fragmentary detail section taken approximately on the plane IV-IV in Fig. 3 and drawn to larger scale to better illustrate the conveyor means, associated article carrying elements or extended pins, and a part of the liquid solvent spraying means, all of which are hereinafter fully explained.

Fig. 5, sheet l, is a fragmentary plan section taken approximately as indicated by the arrows V-V in liigs. 2 and 3.

Fig. 6, sheet 4, is a top plan View of the enclosure or casing showing the openings for entry and exit of the work, as Well as the access door.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary section taken as indicated by the arrows VII-VII in Fig. 6; and,

Fig. 8 is a similar section on the plane VIII- VIII in Fig. 7. Y

In describing the form of my invention exempliiied by the accompanying four sheets of drawings, specic terms will be employed for the sake of clarity, but it is to .be understood that the scope of said invention is not thereby limited. Each such term is intended to embrace all equivalents which perform the same function for an analagous purpose.

Referring more in detail to the drawings, the apparatus or machine chosen for illustration herein comprises a rectangular enclosure or casing comprehensively designated 9 having the lower portion sub-divided by an inclined plate I0 to provide a receptacle or container Il for the treating liquid solvent l2, said solvent being preferably heated by aid of a subjacent gas burner I3, for example only, conveniently mounted thereunder. i

Superjacently sustained above the normal level ofthe liquid solvent l2, as by appropriate supporting means I4, l5, and a gusset brace I6, is a drip pan and solvent sump I'I. The drip pan l1 has one of its vertical walls I8, for instance, extended and laterally inclined upwards, with respect to the horizontal, to define a drain shelf I9 embodying side flanges 20. Shelf I9 is rigidly held by suitable gussets 2|, all of which will be readily understood `by those conversant with the art.

Spaced above the drip pan and solvent sump ing `il "and" "hanger 'section '41 l1 and extending around the interior of the caslng 5 is a trough 22 which serves to collect liquid solvent condensate which is continuously formed through the condensing action of water jacket 23. Solvent condensate passes thro-ugh trough drain outlet 22 to pump sump 22" located within storage tank Il' to replenish liquid solvent for pumpdischarge. fsolvent overflows sump -22 into storagetank Il' where it can be retained or allowed to return to the liquid solvent I2.

Appropriately mounted above and secured to the cover plate 24 of the casing@ 4isariuct structure 25, Figs. 1, 2, and 6-8, of special form, for collecting vapor escaping from 'thetreating zone 26 of said casing and whichwoul'd otherwise tend to ilow into the surrounding atmosphere. The duct structure is convenientlyssustainerl above the cover by opposed 'bearers or ,channel sections 21 and angles '28, in turn attached across the cover-plate 24, in anv obvious manner. The coverl-plate r"-24,1asieest uappreei'aiued from Fig. 6 is preferablyiof rectangular outline and includes spaced finlet and #outlet --werkopenings 129 1and 30 respectively; as well as an access opening -3, the latter-beingnormally'closed--by -a Ycov-er 32 provided 4with-a liandle'-33, `sai-rl lcover 32 l'being centralized relative-'tothe access opening *Si by appropriate guideeelements 3'4, as--will vbe'readfi-ly: understood -by those -conversantY withV the art. Reier'ringef-again -to'the duct'structure '25, the same -is conveniently -`made of suitable sheet :metal toeernbody ahollow ma-irrfportion e5, conveniently 'although' notf'essentiallyfof rectangular *cross-section; with ja relatively enlarged medial section 36, equipped -witheatubular inlet 31 4for "connection thereto of la suitable vexhaust 'means A878 operatedfby* an electric vmotor 59. 'The exhaust means 38 and motor 39- are sustained by abearin'gV bra cket-rliL v-rigidly securedV 'to' the ad- 'jacenttva'll "of the casing -Slas l'shownl in'lligs. landi2. l'1he"duct*structured-nain portion35 inbldesfendbends or' elbows 4 l ywhich, in' turn, commurcateir'rto ueshaped branchesZ and-43, Vco'ealigned'in"respect"to`opposed side edges of the work openings 28 and 3D, and also of relatively reduced rectangular rcross-section,A said branch-42 having "themouter 'leg' 42 'shorter 'than the4 other;for"a"rea-sonY l'ateron' again referred to. ltlis"tobe"observed thatthe 'opposing in- 'ner "walls -1l IlA of the" respective duct branches E2,

'43' 'are' providedwithspaced holes or apertures 'i5 to' insureade'quatesuction for collection of.

minute Quantities of solvent "vapors in event theresshould lbejanytendency for their esca-pe from"the"treating"zone 2G by 'way of the work 'openings 29, '30.

" Turning' now 'to *themeans for progressing the "work'throu'gnth'e treating zone, I preferably `make use o'f a'special 'form 'of' angul'arly-inclined rramefstructure '111, Fig; 1, embodying 'a mount- "ingsection 41 r'for'irigid attachment 'to 'the casn 'The' frame structure 41 serves to support what I conven- 4'iently""terni a.' single-'strand conveyor, comprehensivelymarkedet' 43, and hereinafter' fully "erplariei Thefrarnestrlicture 41, as best understood 'fromlFigs' 1,'2and 5,' preferably comprises a 'pair A"of lnia-in members' 49, "conveniently vmade Efrom-#lengths-of' opposing 4angle section stock,

'which `areintegratedat5D to rectangularly-re` lated corresponding sectionv rbars 5 l having their Avrespective"ends rigidly united by spacers k52.

Also rigidly attached to the -bar members V5i lare ppposinglyein'clinedi:suspension members l53', 54

united at their lower ends by spacers 55 which aords bearing for a freely-rotative sprocket 56. It is to be here particularly noted that the members 53 are preferably inclined inwardly, relative to the vertical, at Ian acute angle a of approximately fifteen-degrees, whereas the members 54 are outwardly-inclined at an obtuse Aangle b of about nity-five degrees relative to the horizontal, or with respect to the plane of the bar members 5l; while the spacers 55 par- `allel said members 5I and afford dependent hearing ,for Athe Nfreely-rotative sprocket v5t. The bar members '5 1 afford bearing for similar sprocketshi, and a drive-sprocket 59, as well as a shift-,able or 'take-up sprocket `li'l, located below said members 5I and intermediate the sprockets 2.53, 5.9. Attention is directed, at this juncture `to the fact that the yduct 'structure shorter leg 42', hereinbefore mentioned, is so formed in order to provide supporting clearance on the eoverplate 24 for the sprocketsl. -The frame structure 41 -at Y one .end, .the rriglitehand in Figs. 1V and .-2,-furtherembodies, afrigidbracket 6 l, Fig. 2, vaffordingsupport for spaced bearings 52 which -is vjou'riialed -a `drive-shaft :V5-lon which the sprocket '59 is made fast for rotation therewith, as `iater on herein set forth :Shaft 63 has keyed or otherwise secured thereon a V-groove drive-pulley J5/4, operatively coordinate'd, Ab-y a belt-55, -toaeOrrespondi-ng-ly grooved pulley` :Ed-'fast on the-output shaft {i1-of afspeedreducer 53, mounted-onv avsuitable-base-orlaracket `59 slid'a-ble'inappropriate-guides-10Vrigidly attached-to the -rnaehine casing-v9. rEllie-imputshaft 1l -of the speed-reducewllis operatively coordinated 'by-a- -V -groove pulleyv'l-2, endless -belt it, and similarly grooved pulleyi', to--the power shaft l5 o a suitable motor-'115. Thebase-l embodies apertured V `projections 118 -ihaving threaded engagement on a screw-shaft 18 equipped at its outer-endlwith la hand-wheel 85, whereby theV 'motor 1 6 is made positionally adjustable totake-up'any slack developing-in the belt 1S, see also Fig. ila.

Referring again to the -frarne structure-41,"it is to be observed'that the same, in addition to the main member 49, which vin practice inclined'ly extends down through the workl inlet opening 29 into the treating z one 26,isprovided with a oo-planarly spacedshorter Ydependent merriber''l, integrated to -the bar rnenrbenl Vat" 8 2 and located'to pass down through'the work outlet opening 3] into ksaid treating A z qriejj2-5. The main member 4S and the dependent member '81 are Connected ibyaiigaeonal member intermediate the lower :end of. e a 'ch memberg-l and the upper 'region v'of the member lllL as, `will be readilyunderstogd fro mF ig.- Z. fftigilly attached to the Aiowa ends of' the mem, @ILS .43 and -i is an inclinado-bearing. grneinbelt 15.4 affordine rigid support `for vfreely i'oiativesplekets as, 'se and :Bieter which ith@ iouelpflisht of the singlegstrand conveyor d jisjjtrained, 'as later on, hereinfurthelu amrliegd. :diaeonal member 83 and pearingfmemjoerll are rfurther ri'gi'died by means Yof an upright brace 84 Turning now to the single streed scrivermi 48, Yit will be seen, and best 'understood' fronrl'figs. 2, 3 and 4, thatA it comprises chain links 8 8 appropriately pivotedv together -by rectangularly related work Isupporti-ng elements or carrienpins 89. Each pin -8f9 has ahead 19o-at ftheattachmentend and asornew-hat conoidal-end portion 9| at the free extremity thereof. @The-carrier lpins A8!! l are '-individuallyengaged :through -opposed socket bearing-sleeves 92, 93 engaged through the eyes 94 of the respective link ends and adjoining washers 95, 96. The washer 95 is mounted betweenthe pin head 90 and the confronting bearing sleeve 92,v Whereas the latter Washer 96 functions as a retainer to hold the link and pins in operative assembly by aid of a diametric cotter or split pin 91. At this juncture it is to be noted that the embodiment of my invention herein exemplified is preferably adapted to degreasing and cleaning tubes such as indicated by the character 98 and designed for containing tooth-paste, cosmetics, liquid adhesives, or other analogous'substances, although my invention is `not limited thereto. From Figs. 2 and 5 it will be observed that, incidental to the angularly inclined path of progression of the conveyor 48, the work-supporting pins 89 are constrained to maintain a position upwardly-inclined to the horizontal at an angle of approximately fifteen degrees, for example only. Such angular tilt of the work-supporting pins 89 is not only convenient for retaining the tube 98 in satisfactory position throughout the degreasing cycle, but it further ensures proper drainage of the solvent I2 therefrom after passage through the tank or liquid container In conjunction with the conveyor means 48 above described I employ a work retainer device comprehensively designated 99 in Figs. l and 3, said device conveniently, although not essentially, being in the form of an approximately rectangular plate having the lower right-hand corner, as viewed in said figures, cut-out as dened by the obtuse-angled lines |0| and |02, with the vertical sides bent to provide stiifening anges or corners |03, see Figs. 2 and 5. The device or plate |00 is furthermore provided with spaced vertical gussets or hanger elements |04, whereby said plate is attached to the frame members 49 and 84 by appropriate means |05.

The flanged retainer device 99 not only serves as a guide means effective to keep the articles freely supported on the Work carrying pins 89 during the spraying operation, hereafter eX- plained as shown in Fig. 4, but also during passage through the drip pan I1. Further it is noteworthy that the plane of the work retainer device 99 spacedly parallels that of the path of progression of the single strand conveyor 48.

Conveniently associated with elevation of the articles 90 from the drip pan and solvent pump I1 I locate a spray nozzle |01 with a suitable tip effective to direct a jet of clear solvent liquid longitudinally to the interior and to the outer surface of consecutively passing article 98 to wash out from the latter any clinging foreign matter. Most of the solvent then falls onto the drain shelf I9 and gravitates into the sump |1. It is to be particularly noted that the articles 98 are presented to the spray at an angle which facilitates both cleaning and draining. The clear solvent liquid is supplied to the nozzle |01 by aid of appropriately located piping |08 connected to a motor driven pump |09, in turn communicating at l |0 into the storage tank Cooled liquid solvent condensate drains into tank I from the collecting trough 22 through outlet 22'.

In order that the frame structure 41 may be rigidly sustained by the casing 9, said structure is provided with a transverse member I|| integrated to the suspension members 53, 54 with an associated post to vertical member H2, correspondingly united to the members and and said vertical member ||2 is located for seatmg` on, and 'rigid attachment t, a buitres@ bracket |3 fast to the Wall of the casing 9 aforesaid. Thus it will be well understood that the frame structure 41 is well braced and held rigid against all vibrations that might tend to disturb, or interfere with, smooth operation of the machine.

Having described the structural features of the typical embodiment of my invention hereinbefore disclosed and which is found highly useful for conveying and handling light work such as tubular metal articles and the like, the mode ofv use and operation is as follows:

Assuming the equipment to have been arranged and installed asbefore set forth, and that the container i0 has been supplied with the requisite quantity of the appropriate volatile solvent |2, and that the burner |3 has been ignited to effect continuous vaporizing of said solvent l2, said vapor will ascend into the treating zone 26 Where it freely circulates.

The operator on commencing to apply the tubes 98, or other articles, to the consecutive conveyor work-supporting pins 99 proximate the work inlet opening 29, as best understood from Figs. 2 and 4, starts the motor 16 which, through the parts 15, 14, 18, 12, 1|, 61, 66, 65, 64, effects rotation of the drive-shaft 63 with resultant progression of the single-strand conveyor 48 in the direction of the arrows indicated in Figs. 1 and 3. Movement of the conveyor 48 as stated causes the tubes 98, or other articles, on the supporting pins 89 to descend through the Work inlet 29 for passage down through the solvent vapor in the treating zone 26 until immersed in the liquid solvent c', Fig. 3,A within the drip tankor solvent sump I1 that is;

constantly replenished with liquid solvent flow-- ing over the tubes 98, which was sprayed over them through nozzle |01 as well as draining down. the shelf I9, said tubes move upwardly over the.l sprocket 86. From the sprocket 86 the conveyor chain 48 passes to and partially around the` sprocket 81 for vertical ascent through the upper regional clear vapor in the zone 26 and over the driven sprocket 59, thence under the take-up sprocket B0 and over the sprockets 58, 51, downwardly from the latter to the sprocket 56, with return inclinedly upwards to the sprocket 5I aforesaid. It is to be understood that the tubes 98 thus treated are applied to, and removed from, the work-supporting pins 89 where most convenient or desirable. Particular attention is directed to the fact that as each tube 98 passes out of the liquid solvent in the drip pan I1 itis subjected to a spray of clean solvent emitted by the nozzle tip |01, as supplied by the pump |09 from the vapor condensate collecting trough 22 and pump sump 22" which is built into storage tank From the foregoing it is felt that my invention will be fully understood, and that said invention affords a compact and efficient means for continuously handling large quantities of small tubular articles or things whereby they are thoroughly, economically and rapidly cleaned at comparatively small labor costs, with no appreciable loss of the treating solvent. Furthermore, I have provided a degreasing machine or apparatus by which the stated objects are positively achieved and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use. Finally, as various possible embodiments of my invention, or other adaptations thereof, may be made and changes in the combinations of parts hereinbefore disclosed, by those conversant with the art,

'Z it. is to be understood. that all, matters seti forth and shown by the. foregoing, description. and. ao? oompenyillg @lawines eretto he interpreted.v as liuslalive and. not. to be. construed. as limiting.

flem:

1. In: degreasing apparatus. having, en, enclof sure with a sump at the bottom for liquid solvent and a zonethereebore in whichyaporemanating Ifrorn the solyent is constrained, and eL driven endless oonveyer. chain trained about e. system ofg sproeketsl arranged in e, plane tilted some-l what to. the. .vertioeliforipessage downwerdiyirom a loading station at the ,exteriorthrough anopening in the top of thel enolosin'el into thesolvent in the sump and then. upwardly. andV outwardly through another opening inthetop.-of the en.- losnre; pinsv extending at rig-ht angles fromthe ohein at intervals Whereon tubular articles.. to. becleained; ere impaled at thelo'ading station .andretoinedon solid.L pinsdue. to the., inclination of the chain; a nozzle Within thehenolosure behind ilieohon for; Spraying clean liquidsolvent into tlieftubnlorortioes upon emergence from. the. sgljrentlbeth in the signin; entreiv stationery guard- Within the enclosure for engaging. thedistall ends of: the passing. tubular articles: to prevent. them frolnbeing dislodged from the Supporting pins on the. ohalin bythe force. ofl the nozzle` spray.

2.: Doeresine apparatus according to Gleim 1, further including a, dra-in beneath they conveyer in the region of the spray, for directing the spill. or thespray solrentinto the snmp 3f De-reesing apparatus aoordins to. Claim l, in which vapor. condensate coliootedin. theupoer portion of., the .enolosiireis condnetedto. a receiver externally Orth/e enclosure; and further including pump. Ineens. whereby solvent 'is drawn from the reeeiverA forV diseherge by the. nozzle.

4. Deero'esns apparatus ooooroingA to claim. 1,. further. inoiirding an snction duet at the top of. the enolosure, with branches surrounding` the openings throughy which. the. oonveyer chain passes, said, branches. being perforated at their inner. sides; and ai suction blower connected to the.. conduit-whereby any;v solvent; vapors. escaping..,from.theenalosures atsaid openings is. drawn O'..

5,V Apparatiisaooording tooleim. 1, for degrees-v ng. tubular: articles. oiosed: at... one end, wherein the suardlisso. disposed reletiveto. the conveys! es to ellos'-L the. artioiesto beldisplsood out,-

Somowhot.- on; the. Qonreror pins. by the aotiono the spray .from the-noone.

sTANLrzr-A. Heems- "Reierereosliiedfm tile-111.6. of this potent PATENTS NumberI Name, Date 1,272,346- Jefferies.; et a1'. .1u-1y 9, 1918 1,294,499.. Johnson Een. 18, 1919 1;445,359. Scarborough et al. Feb. 13, 1923 1,513,623 lttsser` Oct. 28, 1924 1,707,038.- Lyneh Mar. 26, 1929. 1*,929g3i5f. Mautsch Oct. 3, 1933 1,953,841 Koch, Deo. 12, 193.3 2,170,612; Sullivani Aug.l 22, 1939 2,164,768 liriden` Julyf4, 1939 2,251,121 Daim July 29, 1941 2,210,642' SortiesA Jan. 2D, 1942 22135939. Dammers-,f Feb. 24, 1942 31.21. .13511 Edhoer; et el.V Apr.. 28, 19.42 2.2923229.: Gardner Aug. 4, 19.42 Zl.; Breise1' Jan. 19,- 1943 2,339,032 Frideii Dee. 28, 19.43 2,369,059 Hel'enstein Feb. 6, 1945. @45421212 Jadis. May 25., 1948 

1. IN DEGREASING APPARATUS HAVING AN ENCLOSURE WITH A SUMP AT THE BOTTOM FOR LIQUID SOLVENT AND ZONE THEREABOVE IN WHICH VAPOR EMANATING FROM THE SOLVENT IS CONSTRAINED, AND A DRIVEN ENDLESS CONVEYER CHAIN TRAINED ABOUT A SYSTEM OF SPROCKETS ARRANGED IN A PLANE TILTED SOMEWHAT TO THE VERTICAL FOR PASSAGE DOWNWARDLY FROM A LOADING STATION AT THE EXTERIOR THROUGH AN OPENING IN THE TOP OF THE ENCLOSURE INTO THE SOLVENT IN THE SUMP AND THEN UPWARDLY AND OUTWARDLY THROUGH ANOTHER OPENING IN THE TOP OF THE ENCLOSURE; PINS EXTENDING AT RIGHT ANGLES FROM THE 